Hey #Saskedchat! Are you ready to Shake Up how we Assess tonight?
Let's begin with introductions! Who are you, where are you from, and what is your favorite pizza topping? :)
Welcome to #saskedchat and a big SK welcome to @Stella_Pollard who is our guest moderator tonight! We're so excited to have you lead our exploration tonight!
Hey guys! I'm Stella, a 7th Grade Science Teacher from KY. My favorite pizza toppings are pineapple and bacon!
I am so honored to be your host this evening. #saskedchat
#saskedchat Hey Stella! My name is Manuela and I am in my last semester of my primary elementary education degree! I am from Regina, SK. And mmmm I love pizza, my favourite topping would be pepperoni!! :)
#SaskEdChat I'm Lisa (but you probably could've assumed that already with my handle/display), I'm from BC, but doing my schooling in Regina, SK. My favourite pizza topping is pepperoni!
A1. I like to do a blend of assessment. Summative assessments, I like to give the students a little bit of freedom to express their learning from the unit.
Formative assessments happen multiple times per day w/ bell ringers, exit slips and things like Quizlet Live #saskedchat
Good evening #saskedchat - Chad from The Burn - middle yrs T for almost 20 years. Holy Cow! That means...@kellywchris is still older than me! Buahahaha
A1 #saskedchat I don't currently have a classroom, but in internship I used a lot of fomative assessment all throughout, in multiple ways so everyone could have to freedom to learn the way they want
We'd really like to have some of you follow @Stella_Pollard lead and guest moderate an upcoming #saskedchat ! Check out the link - there are plenty of opportunities. We'll help you through it all! https://t.co/dLuIJXc3fJ
A1: Depends on the classroom. For this round of summatives the g.7s wanted to do a test this unit, the g.6s wanted a project & the 8/9s are creating a video game to show what they learned about a historic figure. & the 10-12s have a portfolio #saskedchat
Hey #Saskedchat! Are you ready to Shake Up how we Assess tonight?
Let's begin with introductions! Who are you, where are you from, and what is your favorite pizza topping? :)
A1: Form assiss in my room has any many forms as Mystique - depends on the S needs & depends on what I need to see where Ss are going and where I need them to go. #SaskEdChat
A1: I would say I blend assessment as well. With Summative we have done some passion projects, produced interviews and commercials in the school divisions media studio and formative things like Qs in google classroom, conferring, mini whiteboard activities #saskedchat
A1: Currently, I do not have a classroom, but during my EFLD I tried to use a combination of diagnostic, formative, & summative assessments - although I found it difficult to be consistent with my assessments because I had such a variety of grades to teach (5-12) #SaskEdChat
Always room for growth, it's hard to remember to do formative assessment each day. I enjoy the closure it gives the lesson and how it helps mold the next day's lesson. #saskedchat
A2: I am guilty of still giving multiple choice quizzes... I feel like they need them in order to master their DOK1 vocab. However, I know they're not the best picture of what my Ss know. It's a work in progress to improve my methods! #saskedchat
Ok - this actually happened with my cats earlier today. My kitten spent a good 3 minutes running around the kitchen being stuck in the bag. #saskedchat
A2 #saskedchat MC exams are good and bad. Good because if you know the material your golden, but bad because you only have a 25% chance of getting it right.. on the fence about it. Also, no, I believe evidence of learning can be showed in so many more ways than writing a test...
To be fair, does anyone actually *enjoy* eating chocolate bunnies? It always seems like such a chore, with low quality chocolate. Now, you want to talk Eggies, I'm there with you!
#SaskEdChat
A2: Actually as a kid I really enjoyed multiple choice tests 😂 On one hand I think I student should see them bc they will in Uni (I feel I need to prepare them). On the other hand MC Qs don’t represent deep learning, which is what we’re after isn’t it? #saskedchat
A2: I have no problem w/MC test, as long as it's not the be all & end all of the progress check; I use MC as form assess or what I call Level 2/Basic Knowledge assess -NO deep learning w/ MC - Unless the Ss are the ones creating the MC, then that's a bit higher level #SaskEdChat
A2: In Elementary schools, I sometimes use multiple choice as an adaptation for kids who struggle with the particular higher order thinking skills involved with open ended questions. #SaskEdChat
A2 - Need to find balance - allow Ss options for their own while still acknowledging that there needs to be some assessment that you direct as the teacher. #saskedchat
A2: I am indifferent to multiple choice tests. Sometimes they can be useful, and they might reflect student knowledge -- for example, used to accompany skills/demonstrations testing in #PhysEd -- but they aren't necessarily a reflection of student comprehension #SaskEdChat
A2: Multiple choice tests are just one tool in the assessment toolbox. @Kahoot is a digital multiple choice quiz and my students love it for formatives. #saskedchat
I think the problem to why more teachers don't try this is because it's hard to give a letter grade to. They have forgotten, it's about the LEARNING not the grade. #saskedchat
A2: Less in favour (there's that Canadian "u" again) than I used to be. When I taught science, I used them more b/c I could predict student error. Now teaching History, no multiple choice. #SaskEdChat
A2: And I definitely do NOT think all sum assessments should be exams.A) bc it hardly allows for creativity in response and B) dot not accurately reflect real life (lots of careers don’t require testing when you learn something new, only application of knew knowledge) #saskedchat
A2: I am guilty of still giving multiple choice quizzes... I feel like they need them in order to master their DOK1 vocab. However, I know they're not the best picture of what my Ss know. It's a work in progress to improve my methods! #saskedchat
A2: Cheating! 2 questions! As a student I LOVED multiple-choice. Decent memory, some logic 2 remove some options... As a teacher, I loved them. Easy to mark! Philosophically...I'm not sure. Teaches some logic, & learning skills. Not sure it teaches content. Q2B: NO. #saskedchat
If you define the destination for the learning - built on the Learning Outcomes or Standards - then you can still provide a “grade” - did they demonstrate understanding & to what degree. I think it’s more a control thing. #saskedchat
I agree sometimes but sometimes there's a balance to try and get 100 + outcomes done in about 180 days & don't always have time for student choice every time. I know you didn't say every time, but some rookies haven't hit that outcome balance yet. #SaskEdChat
You must have had an interesting childhood. I thought the only options were pepperoni or just cheese as a child! Now, I'm a pizza connoisseur. #saskedchat
A2: And I definitely do NOT think all sum assessments should be exams.A) bc it hardly allows for creativity in response and B) doesn’t accurately reflect real life (lots of careers don’t require testing when you learn something new, only application of knew knowledge) #saskedchat
I think there is a time and a place for tests - if you have a set of knowledge that the student needs to demonstrate they've understood, sometimes the best way is still a test. Not always, but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. #SaskEdChat
A3: I use formative assessment every day to help drive learning within our classroom.
I don't grade these, I am just using them to let Ss know the areas they need to grow in! #saskedchat
Very true! A lot of times, we slap a grade on it and the students do not read the actual feedback we have left. Leaving little to know room for student growth. #saskedchat
There will always be a letter/number as long as business people and close minded people are in positions of education influence in policy, Ed Act, the Uni curve then we must learn to work the system the best for our students achievement. #SaskEdChat
In reply to
@ReisBrett, @Stella_Pollard, @kellywchris
I’ve been giving my students nothing but feedback about what they are doing. The feedback is important but do Ss read it? What needs to change? #saskedchat
A3 #saskedchat In internship, I used formative assessment a lot, almost daily. This would be in the form of pictorial representations, mainly, as I taught kindergarten (and loved it!!!!) But I didn't grade these, to show what and how they learned, areas of growth, etc..
There will always be a letter/number as long as business people and close minded people are in positions of education influence in policy, Ed Act, the Uni curve then we must learn to work the system the best for our students achievement. #SaskEdChat
In reply to
@ReisBrett, @Stella_Pollard, @kellywchris
A3: I consider form assessment a “check in” which can be multiple little activities or gestures - my fav lately has been conferring. I ❤️ reading with the kids and enjoying a good book together, even if just for a few min + our clas loves the comfy chairs in the Lib #saskedchat
That's fine, more for us!! Although I'd be willing to melt them down over the fire and pop them into a lil' loaf pan. Then they would be bars and all would be okay #saskedchat
My prof emphasized 3 types of assessment: 1) Assessment for learning=assessment & teaching are integrated to enhance educ outcomes 2) Assessment of learning=has each learner completed the learning tasks 3) Assessment as learning= increased learner ownership & efficacy #saskedchat
Yeah, I can't eat as many as I used to be able to, but that's probably a good thing. The amount of sugar they squeeze into those is just astonishing! #SaskEdChat
Once Ss get use to the feedback, they begin to integrate it into their learning but then we go back to the ‘mark’ at some point. It’s shifting that mindset that, as @mrchadklein points out, seems always to be there. #saskedchat
In reply to
@mrterborg, @Stella_Pollard, @mrchadklein
Q4: What are some ways that we can shake up our assessments to promote critical thinking and creativity in our students’ learning experiences?
#saskedchat
A3: Formative Assessment is ongoing and should be happening all the time. From more "informal" FA check-ins, like thumbs up/down, or on fingers 1/5 how do you feel about this content, to more "formal" FA, like T-P-S and exit slips #SaskEdChat
Receiving feedback and knowing how to act on it is a skill that needs to be taught. I’ve built it into my timetable this year. A work in progress #saskedchat
A3: Formative Assessment is ongoing and should be happening all the time. From more "informal" FA check-ins, like thumbs up/down, or on fingers 1/5 how do you feel about this content, to more "formal" FA, like T-P-S and exit slips #SaskEdChat
A4: Stop thinking of assessments as multiple choice and short answer.
I love to give my students' choice boards so they can show me what they've learned in their way! #saskedchat
Yes, but if we can get Ss to integrate, make learning purposeful, can we ignore the marks? Not that they won't still be there, but return to more of a metric? (It's late .... ) #saskedchat
In reply to
@kellywchris, @Stella_Pollard, @mrchadklein
A3: Taking pictures of physical demonstration of learning can be a fun way to check in. Can create a log on #seesaw showing improvement or gradual mastery of a math skill, for example.
#SaskEdChat
When I am collecting formative assessment in Math or Written responses, the assignments are short. When students come to collect, I exchange a 10-30 second feedback pointing out a plus and an addition needed. I try to do this once a week in hopes it sticks. #saskedchat
Not always - ask students to work with something they really want to do and it’s amazing how much effort they will put in. It’s building that into the fabric of schools - #saskedchat
In reply to
@Stella_Pollard, @mrterborg, @mrchadklein
A4: I switched in-class exams to take-home about a decade ago to allow students more time to think deeply about the questions, and have moved from memorize-and-regurgitate to analysis and comparison questions. #SaskEdChat
Q4: What are some ways that we can shake up our assessments to promote critical thinking and creativity in our students’ learning experiences?
#saskedchat
A4: One of my FAVOURITE (@tgrantt) ways to assess is by giving the students a Google Drawing and/or a blank sheet of paper and asking them show me what they've learned! #SaskEdChat
A4: I switched in-class exams to take-home about a decade ago to allow students more time to think deeply about the questions, and have moved from memorize-and-regurgitate to analysis and comparison questions. #SaskEdChat
Q4: What are some ways that we can shake up our assessments to promote critical thinking and creativity in our students’ learning experiences?
#saskedchat
A2) Last year, @bcedplan came up with interesting idea: Students in Grades 4-7 can choose to switch to a system of assessment that focuses on detailed feedback throughout the year, rather than simply whether a student earned a B- or an A. Some parents love it #bced#saskedchat
In reply to
@mrchadklein, @ReisBrett, @Stella_Pollard, @kellywchris, @bcedplan
A4 #saskedchat Think deeper with assessments, not just narrow it to MC and short/long answer.
I used the Responding to Children's Interests idea and by what they were interested in, gave my students choice and voice to show what they knew in a way that resonated with them
That’s why I really like the learning continuum idea - where the focus is feedback and development and the mark just acknowledges a Ss has met the required criteria. #saskedchat
In reply to
@mrterborg, @Stella_Pollard, @mrchadklein
That’s cause it’s a happier thing to fight over than other depressing world related things. And in the end we are all winners because we get #chocolate!!! #SaskEdChat
In reply to
@kellywchris, @Stella_Pollard, @tgrantt, @ianhecht
Old questions were all "When did WWI start?" etc.
New question: "Was WWI inevitable?"
Obviously, the meat of the answer is in the proof, not just the yes/no.
#SaskEdChat
A4: Ask "Develop a way that I could have presented that material more clearly and engagingly."
#saskedchat
(steal their good ideas of course. This isn't charity.)
Old questions were all "When did WWI start?" etc.
New question: "Was WWI inevitable?"
Obviously, the meat of the answer is in the proof, not just the yes/no.
#SaskEdChat
A4:I think allowing for inquiry throughout the learning will help to promote creativity and critical thinking.Student choice in the methods used to asses learning, & using tech to explore new options.I’ve fallen into a twitter rabbit hole lately when it comes to tech😅#saskedchat
There are worse things to be. Like a mosquito. All they want is the chocolate running through our veins and we murder them. So ya, at least you're not a mosquito. #saskedchat
Thanks, it's taken me a while to get here, but I'm happy with my progress. I still have to work on getting all my courses on the same assessment page. I'd be happy to share what I can, if it's useful. #SaskEdChat
A4:I think allowing for inquiry throughout the learning will help to promote creativity and critical thinking.Student choice in the methods used to asses learning, & using tech to explore new options.I’ve fallen into a twitter rabbit hole lately when it comes to tech😅#saskedchat
A4: There's plenty of free PD on the interweb for teachers looking to shake up assessment. Twitter is full of ideas. As are student brains. #saskedchat
A4: Offer more choices in assessment - What interests one group of students, might not interest others, so by offering choice, the chances for engagement increase. Also, involving students more with their own assessments (peer/self). #SaskEdChat
They're amazing! You put your rubric into a Google Sheet. While grading you leave feedback for each criteria by voice or typing! Super snazzy. #saskedchat
It think sketchnoting needs to be used much more often in schools, especially in the primary grades where they can use images to show understanding - The Doodle Revolution by @SunniBrown is a great book for Educators #saskedchat
A4. From my experience, 'many' teachers struggle with how to implement the teaching and assessment of creativity in their classrooms. Some focus on just one skill, or too many skills at the same time #saskedchat
I do! They are a vital part of our ecosystem. As larvae they eat dead bug and produce nitrogen for aquatic plant species. Pollinators matter. #saskedchat
After seeing how much fun #saskedchat can be, why not guest moderate an upcoming chat! We'll help you and it isn't that hard is it @Stella_Pollard ? Sign up and join the fun! https://t.co/unjf7tJ2DP
Dave in Lloydminster... just getting in from Cekebration of Learning Night!! A4. Love using sketching/drawing too... loving Lion Witch Wardrobe sketch to stretch comprehension strategy.. . They're beautiful works of art! And tell a story. #saskedchat
I wonder if there was a way to develop chocolate that could be tracked. Like we eat it, and a mosquito takes the blood... and see where it gets passed from there... #saskedchat
Fabulous idea. Giving space for student voice, creativity and ownership does not just enhance learning outcomes but also develops skills like leadership, effective communication, and interpersonal skills #saskedchat
A5: Honestly, I always start with the curriculum guide. The outcomes students are supposed to demonstrate mastery of are there, and they can form the basis for reasonable assessments, once de-educationese-d... #SaskEdChat
A5. One of my favourite go-to has been irubric. Si many rubrics ... so little time and si many ways to build them. Great web resource if you like rubrics. #saskedchat
A5: No favourites...I think it’s because I’m always doing something new, even when teaching the same grade. I should make life easier on myself, but I love to try new things. I do want to try Peardeck as an add on to google slides for form assess tho #saskedchat
I bet that chocolate would then end up in a frog... because frogs eat mosquitoes. And then, voila, they transform into chocolate frogs and the process starts over again! #saskedchat
A5: Students. If they know what they should have learned, and experienced how it was presented, they should know how to demonstrate that. Most will take that as an honest exercise. #saskedchat
Actually, you can argue the second one either way, which is why it's a better question. As long as students can defend their answer, they'll do reasonably well, whichever side they pick. #SaskEdChat
Also if there was a way to tell if mosquitoes had a preference between bar shaped chocolate and non-bar shaped chocolate... these are important questions #saskedchat
A5: Honestly, I always start with the curriculum guide. The outcomes students are supposed to demonstrate mastery of are there, and they can form the basis for reasonable assessments, once de-educationese-d... #SaskEdChat
Great practice for their futuer political debates on social media! The next generation have to be able to talk to each other more professionally than we do about politics/opinions. #saskedchat
Questions that do not allow student sharing of learning showing their thought process do not help student growth or teacher planning. Memorization of facts, dates, vocab, etc are basic and have no application. #saskedchat
Ideally, yes. For students for whom it's the first time they've had to take a position and defend it using sound arguments, the first exam is frustrating, but they eventually grow into it. #SaskEdChat
A5: I like to use the GRASPS model from Wiggins & McTighe's Understanding by Design. It is a straightforward way to frame how students will be assessed, and tells them exactly what your expectations are with their performance task. #SaskEdChat
A5. Speaking of Google @Stella_Pollard .... Google Forms and all Google Classroom assessments can be sent to Google sheets... Voila... gradebook included! Love Google. #saskedchat
A6 As much as possible I like to have conversations in ELA. I try to do it as regular as possible, but there are times when it isn't as quick as it should be. #SaskEdChat
A6: And this is where I fall down. I should get these back to my students much faster than I do, generally. When they do get them back, there's lots of margin notes on areas to explore further if they want to improve their mark. #SaskEdChat
A6: My new favourite way to leave feedback for my students is by using @screencastify to record my feedback! I scroll through the students' creation, leaving vocal feedback as I go. It's more personal and the students actually listen! #saskedchat
Yep, that's the hope. In the Grade 12 course, the final assessment is a dialectic thinking exercise where students have to consider *both* sides of an issue, so defending one side is good practice. #SaskEdChat
